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One of 1st MLG (Fwd)’s combat logistics battalions currently deployed to RC(SW) ensures Marines and sailors in the northern portion of Helmand Province are equipped with the gear and equipment they need, while removing the gear and equipment they no longer use.

“[Combat Logistics Battalion 4] is serving as the distribution arm of the MLG,” said Lt. Col. Adam L. Chalkley, commanding officer, CLB-4. Inherent in that is the transport of supplies and equipment from outlying [Forward Operating Bases] to [Camp Leatherneck].”

With coalition troops beginning to drawdown in the region, realigning Marine Corps forces is an important step toward meeting the security goals in Afghanistan.

“It has been challenging to balance reposturing our forces with conducting ongoing counterinsurgency operations and the transition to a security advisory role … but the Marine Corps has been incredibly aggressive in meeting … goals for reposturing,” said Chalkley.

On May 1-6, Alpha Company, CLB-4, worked to retrograde equipment and supplies from Patrol Base Habib in CLB-4’s most recent effort to support the realignment of forces.

Moving forces out of a patrol base or forward operating base is a complicated process that requires a significant amount of coordination, cooperation and planning between the involved units, said Weatherly.

CLB-4 provided the heavy and medium-lift capability to the equation, paving the way for final withdrawal preparations and the departure of 2nd Bn., 5th Marines, said 1st Lt. Margaret S. Adams, executive officer, Alpha Co., CLB-4.
“Our role in this capacity [as the distribution arm] allows the maneuver elements of RCT-6 to continue to focus on counterinsurgency and security operations in cooperation with Afghan National Security Assistant Forces,” said Chalkley.

According to Chalkley, CLB-4 will continue to facilitate the new posture of RCT-6 as 1st MLG (Fwd) and other Marine Corps forces draw down in the coming year.

“All of the units [in the area of operations] are going to have to support each other as we reposture our forces and prepare for the withdrawal of Marines,” said 1st Lt. Benjamin J. Gutek, platoon commander, 3rd Plt., Alpha Co., CLB-4. “We are going to be [demilitarizing] more [bases] as the deployment goes on.”